4 Uniform Code HistoryIn the early 1950’s, the Multiple Dwelling Law and Multiple Residence Law were createdFirst statewide requirements for constructionStill in effect todaayAt the same time, State Government starts to create a voluntary adoptable construction standard“State Building Construction Code”Very reminiscent to the first edition of the Basic Building Code, published by Building Officials and Code Administrators (BOCA)All building types covered by 1959 (single family, residential, and commercial)

5 Uniform Code HistoryIn the early 1970’s, State Government creates a voluntary adoptable fire prevention standard“Uniform Fire Prevention Code”In 1980, a survey shows that approximately 30% of the State has some sort of building or fire prevention code in placeMainly found around the big 5 cities, Long Island, and the Hudson ValleyCommunities could adopt any standards they wish; at least 6 different building codes a 3 different fire prevention codes were in place; not counting self-created documents

6 Uniform Code History 1980- Two major firesNovember 21, 1980; MGM Grand- Las Vagas, NVHotel/Casino Fire- 85 deadDecember 4, 1980; Stouffers Inn- Harrison, NYConference Center- 26 deadContributing factors identified were the inconsistency of building and fire prevention codes; or lack thereofTown of Harrison did not have any codesNeighboring City of White Plains had a very restrictive building and fire prevention ordinanceStouffers was built on the line

7 Uniform Code ActChapter 707 of the Laws of 1981 created the “Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code Act”Article 18 of the Executive LawUnique in it’s applicationCreates a Statewide Building and Fire Prevetion CodeLocals cannot adopt laws to lower the minimum requirementsLocals cannot adopt laws to raise the minimum requirements without State approvalLocals are required to enforce the Uniform Code, or surrender their authority to the StateGovernments, including the State itself, is obligated to enforcement on government-owned buildings and premisesAll governments must be enforcing ‘something’ by 1982All governments must use the new Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code by 1984

8 How does code enforcement work?Each City, Town, Village and County is responsible for code enforcement within their jurisdictionCounties enforce requirements on county-owned buildingsAny county or local government can ‘opt-out’ of code enforcementReverts to the next level of government of as delegated by the Secretary of StateMust meet the minimum requirements set by the Secretary of State19 NYCRR Part 1203City of New York permitted to continue with building and fire codes by Executive LawState Agencies must also follow the Uniform CodeDone with an agency-designated code compliance managerMany agencies delegate their responsibility to other agenciesOGS, DHESES, etc.

9 Interface with State agenciesSeveral State Agencies have licenses and/or construction requirements that are aligned/misaligned with the Uniform CodeDepartment of HealthDay ProgramsAssisted LivingCross connection requirements (Plumbing)Office of Mental HealthOffice of Persons with Developmental DisabilitiesDepartment of Environmental ConservationDepartment of LaborThe Uniform Code is a regulation, and is not automatically superseded by other regulations

10 Understanding flood provisionsFlood-resistant construction is based upon whether a building is in a ‘flood hazard area’Within the 1% chance per year flood plain (100 year event)Designated as a flood hazard area on a community’s flood hazard map or otherwise designated

12 Terms commonly used with flood preparation outside the Uniform Code“Flood evacuation zones”Developed by local jurisdictions to prioritize evacuation needs, based on flood potential, access, and populationNot a tool for determining flood-resistance of buildingsUseful as part of a fire safety and evacuation plan“Freeboard”A prescriptive elevation requirement within the Residential Code of New York State and ASCE 24BOTH TERMS ARE NOT USED WITHIN THE BUILDING CODE OF NEW YORK STATE

16 Building Code EffectivenessFlood design becomes an issue in the 1970’sModel Building Code began recognition long after the National Flood Insurance Program is developedState of New York updates the code to national standards in 2003 (previously based on 1951)City of New York updates the code to national standards in 2008 (previously based on 1968)

19 International Code CouncilAdopted building code in almost every state and territory in the United States of AmericaBased on the combination of 3 regional model code groups in 2000Takes regional information and experience and makes it available to allFlooding- Mississippi, TexasHurricanes: Carolinas, Florida, LouisianaSnow- Colorado, Maine, Vermont, AlaskaWildfires- Arizona, Utah, New YorkEarthquakes- California, Hawaii